From the Mental Health Team, "Current Events: Making Kids feel Safe"

In our 24/7 news world, the news can be upsetting for adults and kids. It has become nearly impossible to shield kids from distressing current events. Kids get their news from family, friends, teachers, and of course the internet. But the news can stress them out. What kids see, hear, or read might not always be age-appropriate.

Here are some tips:

Tips for all kids:

• It’s normal to be concerned
• Consider your own reactions - try to model confidence and assurance
• Stress that your family is safe
• Answer questions without giving too many additional details
• Try to keep your schedule as normal as possible
• Look for signs of more than normal stress and reach out for help if needed

Tips for kids under 7:

• Keep the news away - take a break from listening or watch when the kids aren’t around
• Stress that your family is safe
• Be together, emphasize the positives
• Pay extra attention to your kids

Tips for students 8-12

• Carefully consider your child’s maturity and temperament
• Be available for questions and conversation
• Be honest, calm and factual
• Talk about- and filter-news coverage
• Find solace in action

References:

http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/help-kids-feel-safe.html

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/20/living/talking-kids-scary-news/

From Fort River’s Mental Health Team:  Ruth Killough-Hill, Ana Encarnacion, Dr. Pat Schumm, Dr. David Rutherford, Melanie Collins, Jessica Rudnick, Miguel Aquino

2017 ARHS Graduation To Be Live-Streamed

Amherst Regional High School is pleased to announce that this year’s Graduation Exercises from the Mullins Center will be live-streamed for those who may be unable to attend in person.

You can access the live-stream by following the link below:

https://livestream.com/UMassAmherst/ARHS2017

You can also access the live-stream from the School District Web Site here:

http://www.arps.org/administration/technology_and_information_systems/a_r_h_s_graduation_live_stream

Please find the most current information available here in English and Spanish.

Band and Orchestra Concert on June 6

The Fort River Band and Orchestra Concert will be on Tuesday, June 6 at Fort River. The evening concert begins at 6:30pm and will last approximately one hour. Students should arrive at 6 pm to tune up and warm up. 

There will be a daytime concert at 2 pm and students will be released from class at 1:15 pm to tune up and warm up. All students should remember to bring their instruments on Tuesday.

Thank Teachers with a Gift to AEF

a message from Amherst Education Foundation:

The school year is almost over, and now is the time we begin thinking about how to thank our teachers for a terrific year. What better way to thank them than to give a gift in their name to the Amherst Education Foundation? AEF has provided more than $400,000 in grants to our public schools over the last 24 years.

“I have had the good fortune to be honored by parents and members of the Amherst community through their “STARS in our Schools” donations to AEF.  When making their donations, parents and relatives have commented specifically that they see their children singing with joy and self confidence and that they have an appreciation for music of different world cultures. It is deeply satisfying to know that what we do in the schools gets carried out into the community.”

- Fort River Music Teacher Anne Louise White

AEF provides an easy way for you to make a meaningful donation to your child’s teacher(s) by going to www.amhersteducationfoundation.org and clicking on “Stars in Our Schools.”  You can donate to more than one teacher in one easy transaction! Or send a check with a note identifying the teacher(s), the school, and who is giving the donation to our mailing address at: PO Box 1363, Amherst, MA 01004.

In order for your teacher to receive a star, please make your donation by June 15.

View: AEF Stars flyer 2017

ARMS Science Club in the News

The ARMS Science Club, under the direction of Team Y Science Teacher Jennifer Welborn, was featured in the Amherst Bulletin and Daily Hampshire Gazette last week. The club is modeled on UMass Amherst’s Integrated Concentration in Science program and is co-facilitated by a Fort River parent. UMass students serve as mentors. To read the article, click here: http://www.amherstbulletin.com/Amherst-middle-schoolers-asking-complex-questions-at-science-club-10268014

Field Day on June 14

FIELD DAY IS COMING!!

Wednesday, June 14^th (Rain date June 15^th)

Field Day is a school wide event that allows the entire school to get outside for sun and fun. It is a highlight of the entire year for students, staff, and families! In the morning, students will participate in field day activities together in multi-aged groups to build school unity across grades. 

We will need lots of parent volunteers to make field day a huge success. Parents can volunteer as an activity station worker or a group leader; parents can also help set up or clean up. Volunteers can sign up at http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/l5SYxUf+Qt4 or by by emailing Rebecca Kennedy at rbershadker@yahoo.com or Tim Hope at timothylhope@outlook.com

Bus/Van Driver & Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast on June 7

Bus/Van Driver & Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast

It's time to join the families of Fort River for an appreciation breakfast to say thank you to all of our drivers and crossing guards for everything they do to get our kids to and from school safely.

Sign up on Please Bring it to donate and help:

http://frpc.pleasebringit.com/public/QpO9umRft7o

Thank you for making this a special morning for our safety professionals!